I have so many great memories of camps growing up. From Easter camps to youth camps; school camps to horse camps...but the best memories of all are from church camps, and in particular one that I attended with my family when I was about six years old. So why does this one church camp stand out for me? On reflection I think there are a number of reasons that church camps are so great. Here are a few:
1. You can go with your family.
For that camp when I was six it was me, mum, dad, my brother Charlie and my sister Rachael together at camp. It is a wonderful thing to be able to be together in a context that is outside regular routines. There's a sense of safety for children, knowing that mum and dad are close by, while at the same time have a degree of adventure with opportunities to explore life in a differ-ent context with different people. There are times of both independence and interdependence mixed together. Camps with the family give us a chance to bond in a unique way that can't al-ways happen at home or on family holidays because it is done in a context with others around.
2. The church really comes together and feels like a family.
I remember as a six year old taking a three year girls hand and leading her around the scavenger hunt. I particularly remember the joy that this gave: to me, to that girl, and to her parents (and the pride my parents felt that their son was happy to forfeit the chance of winning to give anoth-er kid a fun time). There is something wonderful about these kinds of encounters that really makes a difference to our lives. I am still friends with that girl! Despite being different ages, we developed a good friendship as we grew up together in the church - and camp jump started that friendship. Yes, it's great spending time in home groups and over coffee on a Sunday morning, but when it comes to getting to know people, there is no substitute for simply spending time together - camps give us the space for that to happen. So if you don't have the opportunity to take your own family then we'll all be family for you!
3. The interaction between people from different ages and stages is wonderful!
Children talking with adults that aren't their parents. Older people spending time with young families. Single people laughing and playing games with married couples - you name it, church camp has it. As a six year old I remember a teenager showing me his keyboard at camp and let-ting me play music on it. I also remember listening to the wisdom of an old Biblical scholar in the church. How may environments in our modern world allow for teenagers, adults, kids and the elderly to spend quality time together?
...and there is so much more I could say. Let me finish with this: COME TO CAMP - YOU WON'T REGRET IT! I'm sure it will enrich your life and it will certainly be a blessing to us all as we seek the unity that our Lord Jesus prayed for. See you there!
Blessings, Pastor David Auty
1. You can go with your family.
For that camp when I was six it was me, mum, dad, my brother Charlie and my sister Rachael together at camp. It is a wonderful thing to be able to be together in a context that is outside regular routines. There's a sense of safety for children, knowing that mum and dad are close by, while at the same time have a degree of adventure with opportunities to explore life in a differ-ent context with different people. There are times of both independence and interdependence mixed together. Camps with the family give us a chance to bond in a unique way that can't al-ways happen at home or on family holidays because it is done in a context with others around.
2. The church really comes together and feels like a family.
I remember as a six year old taking a three year girls hand and leading her around the scavenger hunt. I particularly remember the joy that this gave: to me, to that girl, and to her parents (and the pride my parents felt that their son was happy to forfeit the chance of winning to give anoth-er kid a fun time). There is something wonderful about these kinds of encounters that really makes a difference to our lives. I am still friends with that girl! Despite being different ages, we developed a good friendship as we grew up together in the church - and camp jump started that friendship. Yes, it's great spending time in home groups and over coffee on a Sunday morning, but when it comes to getting to know people, there is no substitute for simply spending time together - camps give us the space for that to happen. So if you don't have the opportunity to take your own family then we'll all be family for you!
3. The interaction between people from different ages and stages is wonderful!
Children talking with adults that aren't their parents. Older people spending time with young families. Single people laughing and playing games with married couples - you name it, church camp has it. As a six year old I remember a teenager showing me his keyboard at camp and let-ting me play music on it. I also remember listening to the wisdom of an old Biblical scholar in the church. How may environments in our modern world allow for teenagers, adults, kids and the elderly to spend quality time together?
...and there is so much more I could say. Let me finish with this: COME TO CAMP - YOU WON'T REGRET IT! I'm sure it will enrich your life and it will certainly be a blessing to us all as we seek the unity that our Lord Jesus prayed for. See you there!
Blessings, Pastor David Auty
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